THE Cheshire town of Northwich is hosting a living history weekend tomorrow and Sunday to celebrate the years when it was a Roman stronghold.
Based primarily in the town's Verdin Park the main attraction will be displays by leading re-enactment groups. Besides the displays which will include military drill for children to learn their left from their right in Latin they will be manning various tents in the Vicus, or Roman village, teaching about the lives of Roman women and cures using traditional medicine.
The events begin with a walk from the town library to the park at 11am on Saturday. From there visitors can meet the Romans and take advantage of the displays and
craft exhibits in the vicus or tented village. There will be guided walks by 'soldiers' from Chester Roman Tours in full armour to the Roman fort of Condate on Castle Hill.
There will also be an opportunity to sample real Roman beer or wine in the Taverna tent.
Sunday is Roman family day and begins with a Roman service in the Waterman's Church. Afterwards attractions will include Cleopatra's hand maidens performing a belly dancing display and a traditional pig roast in the Taverna.
There will be a closing cermony at 5pm followed by a coracle launch on the River Weaver.
